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The New Orleans Pelicans won a game! Actually, they’ve won two games since the last check on NBA Power Rankings (released on Monday afternoons) but just one of those victories are included in the write-ups you see below.
Additionally, there is even more good news to report. Amazing, isn’t it? Jrue Holiday is expected to make his season debut on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers (as Adrian Wojnarowski previously reported) and Tyreke Evans took part in some light practice earlier today.
But, wait. There’s more! Cheick Diallo put together a solid 16 points and 10 rebounds today for the Austin Spurs while chipping in 4 blocked shots as well. The D-League already has a highlight reel on YouTube of his exploits.
I don’t think I’ve reached my limit on good news today. But, in the bad news department, NBA power rankers still think the Pelicans are terrible. Which, considering how the Pelicans have played, is not inaccurate. Hopefully a real winning streak this week (please?) can get New Orleans out of the cellar.
Last Week: 29 - This Week: 29
The Pelicans actually withstood Stephen Curry's 3-point record for most of the night on Monday. Still, they needed two more games to get off the schneid, scoring 68 points in less than 29 minutes with Anthony Davis playing center in Milwaukee on Thursday. In general, they've been better (especially defensively) with Davis at the four. Jrue Holiday is expected to return this week, but Davis had another injury scare in Saturday's loss to the Lakers.
Anthony Davis started at 5 in the Pelicans' only win, but they've been much better defensively w/ him at 4. pic.twitter.com/Az4bRMELJs
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) November 13, 2016
Last Week: 29 - This Week: 29
The Pelicans indeed edged Philly in the sprint to avoid ranking as the NBA's last team to win a game, but the honeymoon was short-lived, even with badly missed point guard Jrue Holiday said to be just days away from a return to the court. The briefest of exits for Anthony Davis in Saturday's heavy home loss to the Lakers due to some back pain, even if he did return to the floor, is enough to make the alarm bells chime, given how great The Brow has been amid the Pels' gloom.
Last Week: 29 - This Week: 29
Anthony Davis got hurt again. We hope he’s okay. Not much else to report.
Last Week: 30 - This Week: 30
Did you know Anthony Davis has one fewer 30-point performance than DeMar DeRozan so far this season? One. The Raptors have six more wins. Let this forever end the debate of whether one player can "do it all."